American Teen, a Paramount Picture DVD releasing December 21st and produced and directed by Nanette Burstein, is perhaps the most insightful real-life portrayal of high school life ever. Five teens (Hannah Bailey, Megan Krizmanich, Colin Clemens, Mitch Reinholt, and Jake Tusing) in Warsaw, Indiana, live out their senior year of high school on camera in a reality movie that demonstrates the emotional struggles youth of today go through.

Each star of the movie has a different background a different perspective on the teen experience. Megan is the popular girl who lacks maturity but makes up for it with popularity. Colin is the star basketball player who feels pressure from home to earn a college scholarship or join the army. Mitch is also on the basketball team and struggles to deal with the pressure to fit in with the in crowd but also be himself. Jake is the resident "outcast" gamer who plays video games and struggles with social situations. Hannah is the self-declared "in-between" who is rebellious at heart and confident enough to be herself.

Each teen has their own clicks (or lack of), friends, and activities that help the story of American Teen develop. The movie has been compared to Napoleon Dynamite , Juno, and The Breakfast Club. But, American Teen is real people and real life. Anyone who is in high school or remembers high school can appreciate that even though youth of today have different struggles and more tech gadgetry, the social pressures remain the same.

American Teen is certainly eye opening. In fact, it is almost painful to watch at times. The players are so realistic (obviously) that the movie hits home no matter which character you can relate to the most. The filmmaking is great and the story is genuine. An interesting add-on to the end of the film is a look at where the 5 stars are today (two years after) including their thoughts on who they were during the movie.

MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 1:41
DVD Release Date: December 21, 2008
Available for sale exclusively at Target, Rent it everywhere

Grade: B+

Starring: Megan Krizmanich, Jake Tusey, Mitch Reinholt, Hannah Bailey, Colin Clemens
Director: Nanette Burstein

Reviewed by Neil

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American Teen DVD Giveaway

We are excited to offer one copy of American Teen for giveaway to a lucky winner. We will draw for a random winner (US and Canada only please) on January 10th at or near 5PM CST using Random.org. You must be 13+ to enter based on movie rating.

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2) Post a link somewhere on the web to this giveaway and comment again with the link included
3) Follow us on Twitter and then comment with your Twitter name included
4) Click the Stumble button on the right and then comment with your stumble name
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